Fixed, Adjustable, and Bumper Attachment Devices and Methods of Use Thereof

ABSTRACT

An adjustable attachment device includes an elongate body defining a plurality of openings and an attachment bracket attached to and slidable relative to the body and defining an opening. The adjustable attachment device selectively and adjustably interconnects a fixed piling and a floating dock assembly. A fixed attachment device includes a main portion defining an opening and a generally triangular end portion defining an opening. The fixed attachment device rigidly interconnects a fixed piling and a floating dock assembly. A bumper attachment device includes a first and second end portions defining openings and a rotatable bumper. The bumper attachment device is connected to a floating dock assembly.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to fixed, adjustable, and bumperattachment devices, in particular, to attachment devices for use with acubicle and/or modular floating dock assembly, such as (in the case ofthe fixed and adjustable attachment devices) for interconnecting such afloating dock assembly to a fixed piling or (in the case of the bumperattachment system) for connecting to a floating dock assembly.

BACKGROUND

Conventional cubicle and/or modular floating dock assemblies are formedof individual cubicle pieces that are connected to one another with pinsand/or fasteners to form a complete floating dock assembly. The floatingdock assembly is then installed in the water by being attached to afixed structure (e.g., a fixed dock or fixed piling) through a series ofropes and metal “D-rings.” However, the use of ropes may be audiblyirritating, and D-rings may provide only a rudimentary and inferiorattachment option. Additionally, barnacles and other marine growth mayquickly degrade such ropes (including within the first week ofdeployment), which may cause undesirable fraying of the ropes. As such,the use of such ropes becomes a liability with the use of cubicle and/ormodular floating dock assemblies due to the possibility that such ropesmay fray completely, thereby causing the floating dock assembly to floataway.

In addition to the foregoing, there are currently no satisfactoryoptions for attaching a cubicle and/or modular floating dock assembly tofixed pilings. As previously described, current attachment methods forcubicle and/or modular floating dock assemblies involve the use of ropesthat wrap around the fixed pilings and pass through attachment pointsdefined in the floating dock assembly. However, such rope attachmentsuffers the drawbacks previously described. In certain conventionalcubicle and/or modular floating dock assemblies, attachment points areevenly spaced, such that if the fixed pilings to which the floating dockassembly is desired to be attached are not likewise evenly spaced, fixedand/or rigid attachment is precluded.

Further yet, while conventional cubicle and/or modular floating dockassemblies may provide for the ability for a watercraft to be driven onto the floating dock assembly, there is not currently a satisfactoryoption for parking or mooring a watercraft alongside (e.g., against) aside of such a floating dock assembly without deploying a separatebumper protection to prevent potential damage to the watercraft. This isdue to the fact that the sides of such conventional floating dockassemblies are known to undesirably rub against the watercraft, oftenmarring the finish on such watercraft with unsightly black scrapes orworse.

Therefore, there is a need for fixed, adjustable, and bumper attachmentdevices that overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, namely by providingconvenient means for attachment to an existing cubicle and/or modularfloating dock assembly. Out of the aforementioned drawbacks was born thefixed, adjustable, and bumper attachment devices described herein.

SUMMARY

In one example, an adjustable attachment device is provided. Theadjustable attachment device includes a body. The body may be anelongate body. The body extends from a first end to a second endthereof. The body extends from the first end to the second end thereofalong a longitudinal axis. The body defines a plurality of openings. Theadjustable attachment device further includes an attachment bracket. Theattachment bracket is attached to the body. The attachment bracket isattached to the body such that the attachment bracket is slidablerelative to the body. The attachment bracket is slidable relative to thebody along the longitudinal axis. The attachment bracket defines anopening.

In some examples, the body can define a main portion. The main portionmay be attached to the attachment bracket. The body may, in certainconstructions, further define a first end portion. The first end portionmay be positioned proximate the first end of the body. The body may, incertain constructions, further define a second end portion. The secondend portion may be positioned proximate the second end of the body. Thefirst end portion may extend outwardly away from the main portion alonga first direction. The first direction may be substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second end portion mayextend outwardly away from the main portion along the first direction.

In variations, the first end portion can at least partially define afirst one of the plurality of openings defined in the body. The secondend portion can at least partially define a second one of the pluralityof openings defined in the body.

In particular examples, the main portion may define a first track. Thefirst track may pass completely through the body. The main portion maydefine a second track. The second track may pass partially into thebody. The second track can be spaced apart from the first track alongthe first direction. The attachment bracket may, in certain examples, beconfigured to interface with each of the first track and the secondtrack as the attachment bracket is slid relative to the body.

In certain constructions, the attachment bracket may define a mainportion. The main portion of the attachment bracket can be attached tothe main portion of the body. The attachment bracket may, in variations,define an end portion extending outwardly away from the main portion ofthe attachment bracket. The end portion of the attachment bracket mayextend outwardly away from the main portion of the attachment bracketalong a second direction opposite the first direction. The end portionof the attachment bracket may define the opening in the attachmentbracket. In some examples, the end portion of the attachment bracket canbe in non-overlapping relationship with the body.

In variations, the adjustable attachment device may further comprise atranslation bracket. The translation bracket can be attached to theattachment bracket. In particular constructions, the body may be atleast partially sandwiched between the translation bracket and theattachment bracket. In some examples, the body may define a track. Thetrack can pass completely through the body. The attachment bracket maybe configured to interface with the track as the attachment bracket isslid relative to the body. The translation bracket can be attached tothe attachment bracket. The translation bracket can be attached to theattachment bracket by at least one fastener. The fastener may passthrough the track defined in the body.

The adjustable attachment device may, in particular variations, be madeof marine-grade high-density polyethylene, metal, or combinationsthereof.

Also provided herein according to one example is a system. The systemincludes a fixed piling. The system further includes a floating dockassembly. The system further includes an adjustable attachment device asdescribed herein. In variations, each of the plurality of openingsdefined in the body of the adjustable attachment device may beconfigured to receive a corresponding fastener. Such fasteners mayconnect the adjustable attachment device to the floating dock assembly.In variations, the opening defined in the attachment bracket may beconfigured to receive the fixed piling therethrough. The foregoing mayenable the adjustable attachment device to selectively and adjustablyinterconnect the fixed piling and the floating dock assembly.

In another example, a fixed attachment device is provided. The fixedattachment device includes a main portion. The fixed attachment devicefurther includes a generally triangular end portion. The end portionextends outwardly away from the main portion along a first direction. Afirst opening is defined in the main portion. A second opening isdefined in the end portion.

The fixed attachment device may, in particular variations, be made ofmarine-grade high-density polyethylene, metal, or combinations thereof.

Also provided herein according to one example is a system. The systemincludes a fixed piling. The system further includes a floating dockassembly. The system further includes a fixed attachment device asdescribed herein. In variations, the second opening defined in the endportion of the fixed attachment device may be configured to receive acorresponding fastener. The fastener may connect the fixed attachmentdevice to the floating dock assembly. In variations, the first openingdefined in the main portion of the fixed attachment system may beconfigured to receive the fixed piling therethrough. The foregoing mayenable the fixed attachment device to rigidly interconnect the fixedpiling and the floating dock assembly.

In a further example, a bumper attachment device is provided. The bumperattachment device includes a bumper. The bumper extends from a first endto a second end thereof along a longitudinal axis. The bumper attachmentdevice further includes a first end portion. The first end portion ispositioned proximate the first end of the bumper. The first end portiondefines a first opening. The bumper attachment device further includes asecond end portion. The second end portion is positioned proximate thesecond end of the bumper. The second end portion defines a secondopening. The bumper is disposed between the first end portion and thesecond end portion. The bumper is configured to rotate about thelongitudinal axis.

In variations, the bumper may define a contact plane. The contact planemay be parallel to the longitudinal axis. In certain constructions,neither the first end portion nor the second end portion may extend intothe contact plane defined by the bumper.

In particular examples, the first end portion can define an outer edge.The outer edge defined by the first end portion may be obliquely angledrelative to the longitudinal axis. The second end portion can define anouter edge. The outer edge defined by the second end portion may beobliquely angled relative to the longitudinal axis.

The bumper attachment device may, in certain constructions, furthercomprise a first rod. The first rod may extend between andinterconnecting the first end portion and the second end portion. Thefirst rod can pass through the bumper such that the bumper rotates aboutthe first rod. In variations, the bumper attachment device may furthercomprise a second rod. The second rod may extend between andinterconnecting the first end portion and the second end portion. Thesecond rod can pass through the bumper such that the bumper rotatesabout the second rod.

Each of the first end portion and the second end portion of the bumperattachment device may, in particular variations, be made of marine-gradehigh-density polyethylene, metal, or combinations thereof.

Also provided herein according to one example is a system. The systemincludes a floating dock assembly. The system further includes a bumperattachment device as described herein. In variations, each of the firstopening and the second opening may be configured to receive acorresponding fastener. Such fasteners may connect the bumper attachmentdevice to the floating dock assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description of the illustrative examples may be betterunderstood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It isunderstood that potential examples of the disclosed systems and methodsare not limited to those depicted.

FIG. 1A shows a conventional way of attaching a cubicle, modularfloating dock assembly of a known design to a fixed piling of a knowndesign using ropes;

FIG. 1B shows another conventional way of attaching a cubicle, modularfloating dock assembly of a known design to a fixed piling of a knowndesign using ropes;

FIG. 1C shows a fastener of a known design for a cubicle, modularfloating dock assembly of a known design;

FIG. 2A shows a front perspective view of an adjustable attachmentdevice according to one example;

FIG. 2B shows a rear perspective view of the adjustable attachmentdevice of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C shows the adjustable attachment device of FIG. 2A in use in asystem including a fixed piling of a known design and a cubicle, modularfloating dock assembly of a known design;

FIG. 2D shows another view of the system of FIG. 2C;

FIG. 3A shows a front view of a fixed attachment device according to oneexample;

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of the fixed attachment device of FIG.3A;

FIG. 3C shows the fixed attachment device of FIG. 3A in use in a systemincluding a fixed piling of a known design and a cubicle, modularfloating dock assembly of a known design;

FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of a bumper attachment device accordingto one example;

FIG. 4B shows an exploded view of the bumper attachment device of FIG.4A with the bumper removed to show internal features;

FIG. 4C shows the bumper attachment device of FIG. 4A in use in a systemincluding a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly of a known design;and

FIG. 4D shows another view of the system of FIG. 4C, with a watercraftabutting the bumper of the bumper attachment device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings,similar symbols identify similar components, unless context dictatesotherwise. The illustrative examples described in the detaileddescription and drawings are not meant to be limiting and are forexplanatory purposes. Other examples may be utilized, and other changesmay be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subjectmatter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspectsof the present disclosure, as generally described herein and shown inthe drawings, may be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in awide variety of different configurations, each of which are explicitlycontemplated and form a part of this disclosure.

Known floating dock assemblies (e.g., cubicle and/or modular floatingdock assemblies) are conventionally attached to a fixed structure (e.g.,a fixed dock or fixed piling) through a series of ropes and metal“D-rings.” For example, as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, a cubicle,modular floating dock assembly 500 may be attached to a fixed piling 400by passing one or more ropes 40 through a fastener 50 of the floatingdock assembly 500. The floating dock system 500 may be of a knowndesign, such as a modular design comprising a plurality of individualcubical units connected with one another. The fastener 50 may also be ofa known design, such as is shown in FIG. 1C, including a hollow core(e.g., so that the ropes 40 may pass therethrough) and a washer 52 forsecuring the fastener 50 to the floating dock assembly 500. Thisattachment system may, in certain applications, provide only arudimentary and inferior attachment option. For example, the use ofropes may be audibly irritating and/or may facilitate undesirablebarnacle or other marine growth, which may quickly degrade such ropes(including within the first week of deployment), which may causeundesirable fraying of the ropes. As such, the use of such ropes becomesa liability with the use of cubicle and/or modular floating dockassemblies due to the possibility that such ropes may fray completely,thereby causing the floating dock assembly to float away.

In view of the foregoing drawbacks, the present disclosure providesfixed, adjustable, and bumper attachment systems that do not rely on theuse of any ropes or similar attachment means. As will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art, the attachment devices of the presentdisclosure may be used in a variety of applications. By way ofnon-limiting example, it is contemplated that the attachment devicesdescribed herein may be used (in the case of the fixed and adjustableattachment devices) for interconnecting a cubicle and/or modularfloating dock assembly to a fixed piling or (in the case of the bumperattachment system) for connecting to a cubicle and/or modular floatingdock assembly.

Referring first to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, an example adjustable attachmentdevice 100 is shown. As depicted, the adjustable attachment device 100may have a generally elongate body 110. The body 110 of the adjustableattachment device 100 generally extends from a first end 118 to a secondend 119 thereof along a longitudinal axis A. The body 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may also define a plurality of openings120, 122. In examples, the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device100 may generally define a number of openings corresponding to aselected number of attachment points of a floating dock assembly towhich the adjustable attachment device 100 is desired to be attached.The body 110 may generally be of any size and/or shape as desired tosuit a particular application. By way of a first non-limiting example,the body 110 may have a length of about 24″. In such first non-limitingexample, the adjustable attachment device 100 may generally be capableof connecting to a floating dock assembly of a known design via twoattachment points spaced apart from one another by about 21.25″ (e.g.,lengthwise across a single modular cube of a cubicle, modular floatingdock assembly). By way of a second non-limiting example, the body 110may have a length of about 48″. In such second non-limiting example, theadjustable attachment device 100 may generally be capable of connectingto a floating dock assembly of a known design via three attachmentpoints spaced apart from one another by about 21.25″ (e.g., lengthwiseacross multiple modular cubes of a cubicle, modular floating dockassembly). By way of further non-limiting example, the body 110 may havea length of from about 24″ to about 96″, with greater lengths generallybeing capable of connecting to a floating dock assembly of a knowndesign via more attachment points spaced apart from one another (e.g.,lengthwise across multiple modular cubes of a cubicle, modular floatingdock assembly).

The adjustable attachment device 100 may also include one or moreattachment brackets 130. In examples, the adjustable attachment device100 may generally include a selected number of attachment brackets 130corresponding to a number of fixed pilings or other fixed structures towhich the adjustable attachment device 100 is desired to be attached.The attachment bracket(s) 130 may be attached to the body 110. Invariations, the attachment bracket 130 may be attached to the body 110such that the attachment bracket 130 is slidable relative to the body110. The attachment bracket 130 may be slidable relative to the body 110along the longitudinal axis A. In some examples, the attachment bracket130 may be slidable relative to the body 110 along a full orsubstantially full length of the body 110, such as between the first end118 and the second end 119 thereof. The attachment bracket 130 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may also define one or more openings140.

With continued reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, in variations, the body110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may define a main portion112. The main portion 112 of the body 110 may be attached to theattachment bracket 130. The main portion 112 of the body 110 may definea track 124. The track 124 may pass completely through the body 110. Themain portion 112 of the body 110 may define another track 126. The track126 may pass partially into the body 110. In examples in which each oftracks 124 and 126 are provided, the tracks 124, 126 may be spaced apartfrom one another along the first direction 2. In variations, theattachment bracket 130 may be configured to interface with one or moreof the tracks 124, 126 as the attachment bracket 130 is slid relative tothe body 110. In certain examples, the attachment bracket 130 may beconfigured to interface with each of track 124 and track 126 as theattachment bracket 130 is slid relative to the body 110.

The body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may define one ormore end portions 114, 116. A first one 114 of the end portions may bepositioned proximate the first end 118 of the body 110. A second one 116of the end portions may be positioned proximate the second end 119 ofthe body 110. As shown, the first end portion 114 of the body 110 mayextend outwardly away from the main portion 112 of the body 110 along afirst direction 2. The first direction 2 may be substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The second end portion 116 ofthe body 110 may similarly extend outwardly away from the main portion112 of the body 110 along the first direction 2. The first end portion114 of the body 110 may be spaced apart from the second end portion 116of the body 110 along the longitudinal axis A.

In examples, the first end portion 114 of the body 110 may at leastpartially define a first one 120 of the openings defined in the body110. The second end portion 116 of the body 110 may at least partiallydefines a second one 122 of the openings defined in the body 110. Theend portions 114, 116 of the body 110 may generally be of any sizeand/or shape as desired to suit a particular application. By way ofnon-limiting example, the end portions 114, 116 of the body 110 maygenerally be triangular in shape. Such a triangular shape for the endportions 114, 116 of the body 110 may, in certain applications, allowthe adjustable attachment device 100 to be more readily connected (e.g.,via the openings 120, 122 at least partially defined in the respectiveend portions 114, 116) to a floating dock assembly 500 having modularcubical units, such as is shown in FIG. 2C.

The attachment bracket 130 may, in certain constructions, define a mainportion 132. The main portion 132 of the attachment bracket 130 may beattached to the main portion 112 of the body 110. The attachment bracket130 may define an end portion 134. The end portion 134 of attachmentbracket 130 may extend outwardly away from the main portion 132 of theattachment bracket 130 along a second direction 4. The second direction4 may be opposite the first direction 2. The end portion 134 of theattachment bracket 130 may define the opening 140 in the attachmentbracket 130. As may be understood with reference to FIGS. 2A-C, the endportion 134 of the attachment bracket 130 may generally be innon-overlapping relationship with the body 110. In this way, the endportion 134 of the attachment bracket 130 may generally extend freely soas to receive at least a portion of a fixed piling therethrough, asdescribed herein, without interference from the body 110.

With specific reference to FIG. 2B, the adjustable attachment mechanism100 may include a translation bracket 150. As shown, the translationbracket 150 may be attached to the attachment bracket 130. In this way,the body 110 may be at least partially sandwiched between thetranslation bracket 150 and the attachment bracket 130. In variations,the translation bracket 150 may be attached to the attachment bracket130 by one or more fasteners 154 or pins. The one or more fasteners 154or pins attaching the translation bracket 150 to the attachment bracket130 may pass through the track 124 defined in the body 110, such thatthe attachment bracket 130 (e.g., and the translation bracket 150)interfaces with track 124. As a result, in such variations, theattachment bracket 130 (e.g., and the translation bracket 150) may beconfigured to slide relative to the body 110 by way of the one or morefasteners 154 or pins attaching the translation bracket 150 to theattachment bracket 130 riding along and/or within the track 124 definedin the body 110.

With reference back to FIG. 2A, in certain constructions, the attachmentbracket 130 may further interface with track 126 defined in the body 110by one or more fasteners 156 or pins extending at least partially intotrack 126. As a result, in such constructions, the attachment bracket130 may be configured to slide relative to the body 110 by way of theone or more fasteners 156 or pins riding along and/or within the track126 defined in the body 110. The one or more fasteners 154 or pinspassing through the track 124 and the one or more fasteners 156 or pinsextending at least partially into track 126 may be spaced apart from oneanother along the first direction 2. In this way, the attachment bracket130 may be retarded or prevented from undesirable twisting and/orbending relative to the body 110 under the stresses experienced duringuse of the adjustable attachment device 100.

With reference now to FIG. 2C, each of the plurality of openings 120,122 defined in the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 maygenerally be configured to receive a corresponding fastener 121, 123. Inthis way, at least a portion of fastener 121 may pass through opening120 and at least a portion of fastener 123 may pass through opening 122,thereby connecting the adjustable attachment device 100 to a floatingdock assembly 500. The openings 120, 122 defined in the body 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may be of any size and/or shape asdesired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limitingexample, in applications in which it is desired to connect theadjustable attachment device 100 to a floating dock assembly 500 usingfasteners such as those shown in FIG. 1C, the openings 120, 122 definedin the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may be circularopenings sized to receive at least a portion of a corresponding fastenertherethrough. In some examples, the openings 120, 122 defined in thebody 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may be sized and/orshaped so as to provide an interference fit with a correspondingfastener, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.In certain variations, the openings 120, 122 defined in the body 110 ofthe adjustable attachment device 100 may be internally threaded so as tointerface with a corresponding externally-threaded fastener, althoughother examples of the disclosure are not so limited. By way of furthernon-limiting example, in certain variations in which the portion of thefasteners that will pass through the openings 120, 122 defined in thebody 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 have an externaldiameter of about 2″, the openings 120, 122 defined in the body 110 ofthe adjustable attachment device 100 may each have an internal diameterof about 2″. In variations, each of the openings 120, 122 defined in thebody 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may have the sameinternal diameter, although other examples of the disclosure are not solimited. For example, in variations, opening 120 defined in the body 110of the adjustable attachment device 100 may have a smaller or largerinternal diameter than opening 122 defined in the body 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100, although other examples of thedisclosure are not so limited. In variations, each of the openings 120,122 defined in the body 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 mayhave a smaller internal diameter than an internal diameter of opening140 defined in the attachment bracket 130 of the adjustable attachmentdevice 100, although other examples of the disclosure are not solimited.

With continued reference to FIG. 2C, the opening 140 defined in theattachment bracket 130 of the adjustable attachment device 100 maygenerally be configured to receive a fixed piling 400. In this way, atleast a portion of the fixed piling 400 may pass through opening 140,thereby connecting the adjustable attachment device 100 to a fixedpiling 400. The opening 140 defined in the attachment bracket 130 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may be of any size and/or shape asdesired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limitingexample, in applications in which it is desired to connect theadjustable attachment device 100 to a fixed piling 400 such as thatshown in FIG. 1A, the opening 140 defined in the attachment bracket 130of the adjustable attachment device 100 may be circular opening sized toreceive at least a portion of the fixed piling 400 therethrough. In someexamples, the opening 140 defined in the attachment bracket 130 of theadjustable attachment device 100 may be sized and/or shaped so as toprovide an interference fit with a corresponding fixed piling, althoughother examples of the disclosure are not so limited. By way of furthernon-limiting example, in certain variations in which the portion of thefixed piling that will pass through the opening 140 defined in theattachment bracket 130 of the adjustable attachment device 100 has anexternal diameter of about 3.75″, the opening 140 defined in theattachment bracket 130 of the adjustable attachment device 100 may havean internal diameter of about 3.75″.

As may now be appreciated, the adjustable attachment device 100 may beemployed in a system 10 such as that shown in FIG. 2C including afloating dock system 500 and a fixed piling 400, each of which may be ofa known design. The adjustable attachment device 100 may be placed overthe fixed piling 400 such that at least a portion of the fixed piling400 passes through the opening 140 defined in the attachment bracket 130of the adjustable attachment device 100. The adjustable attachmentdevice 100 may then be lowered to the floating dock assembly 500. Theattachment bracket 130 may then be slid relative to the body 110, asnecessary, to align the openings 120, 122 defined in the body 110 of theadjustable attachment device 100 with corresponding attachment pointsdefined in the floating dock assembly 500. A fastener 121 may then bepassed through the opening 120, thereby connecting the first end portion114 to the floating dock assembly 500. If the opening 122 defined in thebody 110 of the adjustable attachment device 100 was not previously (oris no longer) aligned with a second attachment point of the floatingdock assembly 500, the attachment bracket 130 may be slid relative tothe body 110, as necessary, to align the opening 122 with acorresponding attachment point defined in the floating dock assembly500. A fastener 123 may then be passed through the opening 122, therebyconnecting the second end portion 116 to the floating dock assembly 500.In this way, that the adjustable attachment device 100 may selectivelyand/or adjustably (e.g., and releasably) interconnect the fixed piling400 and the floating dock assembly 500. Use of the adjustable attachmentdevice 100 may thus provide a more robust attachment means thanconventional ropes. Additionally, use of the adjustable attachmentdevice 100 may further overcome the drawbacks associated with suchconventional ropes, such as by retarding or preventing undesirablemarine growth. In some variations, the adjustable attachment device 100may be designed such that when the adjustable attachment device 100interconnects a fixed piling and a floating dock assembly, theadjustable attachment device 100 is generally positioned out of thewater, thereby retarding or preventing undesirable marine growth (e.g.,as shown in FIG. 2D). Further yet, the adjustable attachment device 100may not be susceptible to fraying or audible disturbance. Moreover, theadjustable attachment device 100 may provide a more rigid and definedattachment as compared with ropes, which may allow for undesirable driftof the floating dock assembly relative to the fixed piling. Finally, andperhaps most importantly, the adjustable attachment device 100 may allowfor quick and efficient attachment between a floating dock assemblyhaving equidistance attachment points and a plurality of fixed pilingsthat are not necessarily spaced apart at likewise or equal distances.

The adjustable attachment device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/ormaterial as desired to suit a particular application. By way ofnon-limiting example, the adjustable attachment device 100 may be madeof marine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE), metal, or combinationsthereof. By way of further non-limiting example, in certain variationsin which fixed pilings to which the adjustable attachment device is tobe attached are spaced apart by about 19.5″ (outside-to-outside hole onportion that attaches to the floating dock assembly) on center, theadjustable attachment device 100 may define a distance of about 21.25″between the openings 120, 122 defined in the body 110 of the adjustableattachment device 100. In examples, the body 110 of the adjustableattachment device 100 is a unitary and monolithic design including themain portion 112 and the first and second end portions 114, 116,although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. The bumperattachment device 300 may generally be of any size and/or shape asdesired to suit a particular application. By way of a first non-limitingexample, the bumper attachment device 300 may have a length of about24″. In such first non-limiting example, the bumper attachment device300 may generally be capable of connecting to a floating dock assemblyof a known design via two attachment points spaced apart from oneanother by about 21.25″ (e.g., lengthwise across a single modular cubeof a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly). By way of a secondnon-limiting example, the bumper attachment device 300 may have a lengthof about 48″. In such second non-limiting example, the bumper attachmentdevice 300 may generally be capable of connecting to a floating dockassembly of a known design via three attachment points spaced apart fromone another by about 21.25″ (e.g., lengthwise across multiple modularcubes of a cubicle, modular floating dock assembly). By way of furthernon-limiting example, the bumper attachment device 300 may have a lengthof from about 24″ to about 96″, with greater lengths generally beingcapable of connecting to a floating dock assembly of a known design viamore attachment points spaced apart from one another (e.g., lengthwiseacross multiple modular cubes of a cubicle, modular floating dockassembly.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the adjustableattachment device 100 includes a single attachment bracket 130 defininga single opening 140 and first and second end portions 114, 116, eachdefining a respective opening 120, 122, although other examples of thedisclosure are not so limited. By way of non-limiting example, invariations, the adjustable attachment device 100 may include more thantwo end portions and/or more than two openings for connecting theadjustable attachment device 100 to a floating dock assembly. In suchvariations, the adjustable attachment device 100 may be configured toattach to more than two (e.g., three, four, or more) defined attachmentpoints of the floating dock assembly. In such variations, the adjustableattachment device 100 may define more than two (e.g., three, four, ormore) openings, each such opening configured to receive a correspondingfastener for connecting the adjustable attachment device 100 to afloating dock assembly. Furthermore, in the same or other variations,the adjustable attachment device 100 may be configured to attach to morethan one (e.g., two, three, or more) fixed piling. In such variations,the adjustable attachment device 100 may include more than one (e.g.,two, three, or more) attachment bracket, each such attachment bracketincluding an opening configured to receive a respective fixed pilingtherethrough for connecting the adjustable attachment device 100 to thefixed piling (thereby interconnecting the fixed piling and the floatingdock assembly).

Turning now to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, an example fixed attachment device200 is shown. As depicted, the fixed attachment device 200 may have amain portion 210.

The fixed attachment device 200 may have an end portion 220. The endportion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 may extend outwardly awayfrom the main portion 210 of the fixed attachment device 200 along afirst direction 2. The end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device200 may define an opening 240.

The end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 may generally betriangular in shape. Such a triangular shape for the end portion 220 ofthe fixed attachment device 200 may, in certain applications, allow thefixed attachment device 200 to be more readily connected (e.g., via theopening 240 at least partially defined in the end portion 200) to afloating dock assembly 500 having modular cubical units, such as isshown in FIG. 3C.

With reference now to FIG. 3C, the opening 240 defined in the endportion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 may generally beconfigured to receive a corresponding fastener 241. In this way, atleast a portion of fastener 241 may pass through opening 240, therebyconnecting the fixed attachment device 200 to a floating dock assembly500. The opening 240 defined in the end portion 220 of the fixedattachment device 200 may be of any size and/or shape as desired to suita particular application. By way of non-limiting example, inapplications in which it is desired to connect the fixed attachmentdevice 200 to a floating dock assembly 500 using a fastener such as isshown in FIG. 1C, the opening 240 defined in the end portion 220 of thefixed attachment device 200 may be a circular opening sized to receiveat least a portion of a corresponding fastener therethrough. In someexamples, the opening 240 defined in the end portion 220 of the fixedattachment device 200 may be sized and/or shaped so as to provide aninterference fit with a corresponding fastener, although other examplesof the disclosure are not so limited. In certain variations, the opening240 defined in the end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200may be internally threaded so as to interface with anexternally-threaded fastener, although other examples of the disclosureare not so limited. By way of further non-limiting example, in certainvariations in which the portion of the fastener that will pass throughthe opening 240 defined in the end portion 220 of the fixed attachmentdevice 200 has an external diameter of about 2″, the opening 240 definedin the end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 may have aninternal diameter of about 2″. In variations, the opening 240 defined inthe end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 may have asmaller internal diameter than an internal diameter of opening 230defined in the main portion 210 of the fixed attachment device 200,although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.

With continued reference to FIG. 3C, the opening 230 defined in the mainportion 210 of the fixed attachment device 200 may generally beconfigured to receive a fixed piling 400. In this way, at least aportion of the fixed piling 400 may pass through opening 230, therebyconnecting the fixed attachment device 200 to a fixed piling 400. Theopening 230 defined in the main portion 210 of the fixed attachmentdevice 200 may be of any size and/or shape as desired to suit aparticular application. By way of non-limiting example, in applicationsin which it is desired to connect the fixed attachment device 200 to afixed piling 400 such as that shown in FIG. 1A, the opening 230 definedin the main portion 210 of the fixed attachment device 200 may becircular opening sized to receive at least a portion of the fixed piling400 therethrough. In some examples, the opening 230 defined in the mainportion 210 of the fixed attachment device 200 may be sized and/orshaped so as to provide an interference fit with a corresponding fixedpiling, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. Byway of further non-limiting example, in certain variations in which theportion of the fixed piling that will pass through the opening 230defined in the main portion 210 of the fixed attachment device 200 hasan external diameter of about 3.75″, the opening 230 defined in the mainportion 210 of the fixed attachment device 200 may have an internaldiameter of about 3.75″.

As may now be appreciated, the fixed attachment device 200 may beemployed in a system 20 such as that shown in FIG. 3C including afloating dock system 500 and a fixed piling 400, each of which may be ofa known design. The fixed attachment device 200 may be placed over thefixed piling 400 such that at least a portion of the fixed piling 400passes through the opening 230 defined in the main portion 210 of thefixed attachment device 200. The fixed attachment device 200 may then belowered to the floating dock assembly 500. At least one of the fixedattachment device 200 and the floating dock assembly 500 may be movedrelative to the other, as necessary, to align the opening 240 defined inthe end portion 220 of the fixed attachment device 200 with acorresponding attachment point defined in the floating dock assembly500. A fastener 241 may then be passed through the opening 240, therebyconnecting the end portion 220 to the floating dock assembly 500. Inthis way, that the fixed attachment device 200 may rigidly (e.g., andreleasably) interconnect the fixed piling 400 and the floating dockassembly 500. Use of the fixed attachment device 200 may thus provide amore robust attachment means than conventional ropes. Additionally, useof the fixed attachment device 200 may further overcome the drawbacksassociated with such conventional ropes, such as by retarding orpreventing undesirable marine growth. In some variations, the fixedattachment device 200 may be designed such that when the fixedattachment device 200 interconnects a fixed piling and a floating dockassembly, the fixed attachment device 200 is generally positioned out ofthe water, thereby retarding or preventing undesirable marine growth.Further yet, the fixed attachment device 200 may not be susceptible tofraying or audible disturbance. Moreover, the fixed attachment device200 may provide a more rigid and defined attachment as compared withropes, which may allow for undesirable drift of the floating dockassembly relative to the fixed piling.

The fixed attachment device 200 may be of any size, shape, and/ormaterial as desired to suit a particular application. By way ofnon-limiting example, the fixed attachment device 200 may be made ofmarine-grade high-density polyethylene (HDPE), metal, or combinationsthereof. By way of further non-limiting example, the fixed attachmentdevice 200 may generally be of a lachrymiform (i.e., generally teardrop)shape. As previously described, such a shape for the fixed attachmentdevice 200 (e.g., resulting in a triangular shape for the end portion220 of the fixed attachment device 200) may, in certain applications,allow the fixed attachment device 200 to be more readily connected(e.g., via the opening 240 at least partially defined in the end portion240) to a floating dock assembly 500 having modular cubical units, suchas is shown in FIG. 3C. In examples, the fixed attachment device 200 isa unitary and monolithic design including the main portion 210 and theend portion 240, although other examples of the disclosure are not solimited.

Turning now to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, an example bumper attachment device300 is shown. As depicted, the bumper attachment device 300 may includeone or more bumpers 310. The bumper 310 generally extends from a firstend 318 to a second end 318 thereof along a longitudinal axis A. In theexample illustrated in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the bumper attachment device300 includes a single bumper 310, although other examples of thedisclosure are not so limited. By way of non-limiting example, invariations, the bumper attachment device 300 may include more than onebumpers. In such variations, the bumper attachment device 300 may beconfigured to attach to more than two (e.g., three, four, or more)defined attachment points of the floating dock assembly. In suchvariations, the bumper attachment device 300 may include a single bumperspanning substantially along the length of the bumper attachment device300. In other such variations, the bumper attachment device 300 mayinclude more than one (e.g., two, three, or more) bumpers, which may bepositioned side-by-side along substantially along the length of thebumper attachment device 300.

The bumper attachment device 300 may include one or more end portions320, 340. A first one 320 of the end portions may be positionedproximate the first end 318 of the bumper 310. A second one 340 of theend portions may be positioned proximate the second end 319 of thebumper 310. As shown, the bumper 310 may be disposed between the firstend portion 320 and the second end portion 340. The bumper 310 may beconfigured to rotate about the longitudinal axis A. In this way, thebumper 310 may “roll” up and down with changes in tide or marine wakes,thereby minimizing or preventing undesirable rubbing against awatercraft abutting the bumper 310 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4D) andretarding marring of the finish on such watercraft with unsightly blackscrapes as has been known to occur with conventional, non-rotatingbumpers or fenders.

In examples, the first end portion 320 of the bumper attachment device300 may at least partially define a first opening 330. The second endportion 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 may at least partiallydefine a second opening 350. In examples, the bumper attachment device300 may generally define a number of openings corresponding to aselected number of attachment points of a floating dock assembly towhich the bumper attachment device 300 is desired to be attached. Theend portions 320, 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 may generallybe of any size and/or shape as desired to suit a particular application.By way of non-limiting example, the end portions 320, 340 of the bumperattachment device 300 may generally be at least partially triangular inshape. Such a triangular shape for the end portions 320, 340 of thebumper attachment device 300 may, in certain applications, allow thebumper attachment device 300 to be more readily connected (e.g., via theopenings 330, 350 at least partially defined in the respective endportions 320, 340) to a floating dock assembly 500 having modularcubical units, such as is shown in FIG. 4C.

With continued reference to FIG. 4A, the bumper 310 may define a contactplane CP. The contact plane CP, may, in some examples, be parallel tothe longitudinal axis A. The contact plane CP may generally define asurface of the bumper 310 against which another object (e.g., awatercraft, a seawall) may contact or abut. In certain applications, itmay be desirable to position a watercraft or another object along a sideof a floating dock assembly (e.g., a side other than the side(s)attached to a fixed piling). In such applications, the watercraft orother object may generally contact or abut the bumper 310 along at leasta portion of the contact plane CP.

In variations, the contact plane CP defined by the bumper 310 may bespaced apart from the first and second end portions 320, 340 of thebumper attachment device 300. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, thecontact plane CP defined by the bumper 310 may be spaced further alongthe second direction 4 (which may be perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis A) than either of the first and second end portions 320, 340 of thebumper attachment device 300. In this way, a watercraft or objectpositioned adjacent the floating dock assembly 500 may generally contactthe bumper 310 (e.g., the contact plane CP defined thereby) withoutcontacting either of the first and second end portions 320, 340 of thebumper attachment device 300. This may be particularly advantageous inexamples in which the bumper 310 is constructed of a material that is“softer” or less susceptible to marring or scratching in comparison tothe material from which the first and second end portions 320, 340 ofthe bumper attachment device 300 are constructed. Put yet another way,in such variations as previously described, neither the first endportion 320 nor the second end portion 340 of the bumper attachmentdevice 300 may extend into the contact plane CP defined by the bumper310, such as is shown in FIG. 4A.

The first end portion 320 of the bumper attachment device 300 may definean outer edge 322. In some examples, the outer edge 322 of the first endportion 320 of the bumper attachment device 300 may be angled relativeto the longitudinal axis A. In some examples, such as is shown in FIG.4A, the outer edge 322 of the first end portion 320 of the bumperattachment device 300 may be obliquely angled relative to thelongitudinal axis A. The second end portion 340 of the bumper attachmentdevice 300 may define an outer edge 342. In some examples, the outeredge 342 of the second end portion 340 of the bumper attachment device300 may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis A. In some examples,such as is shown in FIG. 4A, the outer edge 342 of the first end portion340 of the bumper attachment device 300 may be obliquely angled relativeto the longitudinal axis A. Such angling of the outer edges 322, 340 ofthe first and second end portions 320, 340, respectively, of the bumperattachment device 300 may advantageously assist in deflecting awatercraft of another object that may approach the bumper attachmentsystem 300 at an otherwise undesirable angle. In this way, such anglingof the outer edges 322, 340 of the first and second end portions 320,340, respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300 may serve to urgeor drive a watercraft or another object at an angle so as to preventhead-on or direct contact with the bumper 310 and/or a floating dockassembly to which the bumper attachment device 300 is attached, such asmight otherwise occur during windy conditions. it does not contact thefloating dock or bumper head-on, such as during windy conditions.

With specific reference to FIG. 4B, the bumper attachment device 300 isshown in an exploded view with the bumper removed to show additionalfeatures. The bumper attachment device 300 may include a rod 350. Therod 350 may extend between the first end portion 320 and the secondportion 340 of the bumper attachment device 300. In examples, the rod350 may interconnect the first end portion 320 and the second portion340 of the bumper attachment device 300. As may be appreciated, the rod350 may pass through the bumper 310. In this way, the bumper 310 may atleast partially rotate about the rod 350.

With continued reference to FIG. 4B, the bumper attachment device 300may include another rod 360. The rod 360 may extend between the firstend portion 320 and the second portion 340 of the bumper attachmentdevice 300. In examples, the rod 360 may interconnect the first endportion 320 and the second portion 340 of the bumper attachment device300. As may be appreciated, the rod 360 may pass through the bumper 310.In this way, the bumper 310 may at least partially rotate about the rod360. In examples in which each of rods 350 and 360 are provide, the rods350, 360 may be spaced apart from one another (e.g., along a firstdirection 2, which may be substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis A).

With reference now to FIG. 4C, each of the first opening 330 and thesecond opening 350 defined in the first end portion 320 and the secondend portion 340, respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300 maygenerally be configured to receive a corresponding fastener 331, 351. Inthis way, at least a portion of fastener 331 may pass through firstopening 330 and at least a portion of fastener 351 may pass throughsecond opening 350, thereby connecting the bumper attachment device 300to a floating dock assembly 500. The first and second openings 330, 350defined in the first and second end portions 320, 340, respectively, ofthe bumper attachment device 300 may be of any size and/or shape asdesired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limitingexample, in applications in which it is desired to connect the bumperattachment device 300 to a floating dock assembly 500 using fastenerssuch as those shown in FIG. 1C, the first and second openings 330, 350defined in the first and second end portions 320, 340, respectively, ofthe bumper attachment device 300 may be circular openings sized toreceive at least a portion of a corresponding fastener therethrough. Insome examples, the first and second openings 330, 350 defined in thefirst and second end portions 320, 340, respectively, of the bumperattachment device 300 may be sized and/or shaped so as to provide aninterference fit with a corresponding fastener, although other examplesof the disclosure are not so limited. In certain variations, the firstand second openings 330, 350 defined in the first and second endportions 320, 340, respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300 maybe internally threaded so as to interface with a correspondingexternally-threaded fastener, although other examples of the disclosureare not so limited. By way of further non-limiting example, in certainvariations in which the portion of the fasteners that will pass throughthe first and second openings 330, 350 defined in the first and secondend portions 320, 340, respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300have an external diameter of about 2″, the first and second openings330, 350 defined in the first and second end portions 320, 340,respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300 may each have aninternal diameter of about 2″. In variations, each of the first andsecond openings 330, 350 defined in the first and second end portions320, 340, respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300 may have thesame internal diameter, although other examples of the disclosure arenot so limited. For example, in variations, first opening 330 defined inthe first end portions 320 of the bumper attachment device 300 may havea smaller or larger internal diameter than second opening 350 defined inthe second end portion 340 of the bumper attachment device 300, althoughother examples of the disclosure are not so limited.

As may now be appreciated, the bumper attachment device 300 may beemployed in a system 30 such as that shown in FIG. CC including afloating dock system 500, which may be of a known design. The bumperattachment device 300 may be lowered to the floating dock assembly 500.At least one of the bumper attachment device 300 and the floating dockassembly 500 may be moved relative to the other, as necessary, to alignthe first and second openings 330, 350 defined in the first and secondend portions 320, 340, respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300with corresponding attachment points defined in the floating dockassembly 500. A fastener 331 may then be passed through the firstopening 330, thereby connecting the first end portion 320 to thefloating dock assembly 500. If the second opening 350 defined in thesecond end portion 340 of the bumper attachment device 300 was notpreviously (or is no longer) aligned with a second attachment point ofthe floating dock assembly 500, the bumper attachment device 300 may bemoved (e.g., swung about the fastener 331), as necessary, to align thesecond opening 350 with a corresponding attachment point defined in thefloating dock assembly 500. A fastener 351 may then be passed throughthe second opening 350, thereby connecting the second end portion 340 tothe floating dock assembly 500. In this way, that the bumper attachmentdevice 300 may be rigidly (e.g., and releasably) attached to thefloating dock assembly 500. Use of the bumper attachment device 300 maythus provide a means for preventing undesirable contact between awatercraft or another object and a floating dock assembly to which thebumper attachment device 300 is attached. In this way, use of the bumperattachment device 300 may minimize or prevent undesirable rubbingagainst a watercraft abutting the bumper 310 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4D)and retarding marring of the finish on such watercraft with unsightlyblack scrapes as has been known to occur with conventional, non-rotatingbumpers or fenders. In some variations, the bumper attachment device 300may be designed such that when the bumper attachment device 300 isattached to a floating dock assembly, the bumper attachment device 300is generally positioned out of the water, thereby retarding orpreventing undesirable marine growth. Put another way, the bumperattachment device 300 may be designed such that when the bumperattachment device 300 is attached to a floating dock assembly, thebumper 310 generally does not rest within and/or contact the water,which prevents undesirable marine growth on the bumper 310, which hasbeen known to further exacerbate marring of the finish on watercraftabutting the bumper 310 with unsightly black scrapes (compareconventional bumper 60 in FIG. 1D, which has flipped upside-down in thewater and has marine growth thereon, with bumper 310 of bumperattachment device 300 in FIG. 4D).

The bumper attachment device 300 may be of any size, shape, and/ormaterial as desired to suit a particular application. By way ofnon-limiting example, at least the first and second end portions 320,340 of the bumper attachment device 300 may be made of marine-gradehigh-density polyethylene (HDPE), metal, or combinations thereof. By wayof further non-limiting example, in certain variations in whichattachment points to which the bumper attachment device is to beattached are spaced apart by about 19″ on center, the bumper attachmentdevice 300 may define a distance of about 15″ between the first andsecond openings 330, 350 defined in the first and second end portions320, 340, respectively, of the bumper attachment device 300.

It should be noted that the drawings and descriptions of the examplesare for exemplary purposes only and should not be construed as limitingthe disclosure. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the presentdisclosure contemplates various examples. Additionally, it should beunderstood that the concepts described above with the above-describedexamples may be employed alone or in combination with any of the otherexamples described above. It should further be appreciated that thevarious alternative examples described above with respect to oneillustrated example can apply to all examples as described herein,unless otherwise indicated.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each numerical value and rangeshould be interpreted as being approximate as if the word “about,”“approximately,” or “substantially” preceded the value or range. Theterms “about” and “approximately” can be understood as describing arange that is within 15 percent of a specified value unless otherwisestated.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,”“might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically statedotherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, isgenerally intended to convey that certain examples include, while otherexamples do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus,such conditional language is not generally intended to imply thatfeatures, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or moreexamples or that one or more examples necessarily include thesefeatures, elements and/or steps. The terms “comprising,” “including,”“having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in anopen-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features,acts, operations, and so forth.

While certain examples have been described, these examples have beenpresented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scopeof the present disclosure. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description isintended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step,module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novelmethods and articles described herein may be embodied in a variety ofother forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changesin the form of the methods and articles described herein may be madewithout departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein.The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover suchforms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit ofcertain of the inventions disclosed herein.

It will be understood that reference herein to “a” or “one” to describea feature such as a component or step does not foreclose additionalfeatures or multiples of the feature. For instance, reference to adevice having or defining “one” of a feature does not preclude thedevice from having or defining more than one of the feature, as long asthe device has or defines at least one of the feature. Similarly,reference herein to “one of” a plurality of features does not foreclosethe invention from including two or more, up to all, of the features.For instance, reference to a device having or defining “one of a X andY” does not foreclose the device from having both X and Y.

What is claimed:
 1. An adjustable attachment device, comprising: anelongate body extending from a first end to a second end thereof along alongitudinal axis, the body defining a plurality of openings; anattachment bracket attached to the body such that the attachment bracketis slidable relative to the body along the longitudinal axis, theattachment bracket defining an opening.
 2. The adjustable attachmentdevice of claim 1, wherein: the body defines a main portion attached tothe attachment bracket, a first end portion proximate the first end ofthe body, and a second end portion proximate the second end of the body;and the first end portion of the body extends outwardly away from themain portion of the body along a first direction substantiallyperpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the second end portion of thebody extends outwardly away from the main portion of the body along thefirst direction.
 3. The adjustable attachment device of claim 2, whereinthe first end portion of the body at least partially defines a first oneof the plurality of openings defined in the body and the second endportion of the body at least partially defines a second one of theplurality of openings defined in the body.
 4. The adjustable attachmentdevice of claim 2, wherein: the main portion of the body defines a firsttrack passing completely through the body and a second track passingpartially into the body, the second track spaced apart from the firsttrack along the first direction; and the attachment bracket isconfigured to interface with each of the first track and the secondtrack as the attachment bracket is slid relative to the body.
 5. Theadjustable attachment device of claim 2, wherein: the attachment bracketdefines a main portion attached to the main portion of the body and anend portion extending outwardly away from the main portion of theattachment bracket along a second direction opposite the firstdirection; and the end portion of the attachment bracket defines theopening in the attachment bracket.
 6. The adjustable attachment deviceof claim 5, wherein the end portion of the attachment bracket is innon-overlapping relationship with the body.
 7. The adjustable attachmentdevice of claim 1, further comprising: a translation bracket attached tothe attachment bracket such that the body is at least partiallysandwiched between the translation bracket and the attachment bracket.8. The adjustable attachment device of claim 7, wherein: the bodydefines a track passing completely through the body and the attachmentbracket is configured to interface with the track as the attachmentbracket is slid relative to the body; and the translation bracket isattached to the attachment bracket by at least one fastener passingthrough the track defined in the body.
 9. The adjustable attachmentdevice of claim 1, wherein the adjustable attachment device is made ofmarine-grade high-density polyethylene, metal, or combinations thereof.10. A system, comprising: a fixed piling; a floating dock assembly; andthe adjustable attachment device of claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of openings defined in the body is configured to receive acorresponding fastener for connecting the adjustable attachment deviceto the floating dock assembly and wherein the opening defined in theattachment bracket is configured to receive the fixed pilingtherethrough, such that the adjustable attachment device selectively andadjustably interconnects the fixed piling and the floating dockassembly.
 11. A fixed attachment device, comprising: a main portion anda generally triangular end portion extending outwardly away from themain portion along a first direction; a first opening defined in themain portion; and a second opening defined in the end portion.
 12. Thefixed attachment device of claim 11, wherein the fixed attachment deviceis made of marine-grade high-density polyethylene, metal, orcombinations thereof.
 13. A system, comprising: a fixed piling; afloating dock assembly; and the fixed attachment device of claim 11,wherein the second opening is configured to receive a correspondingfastener for connecting the fixed attachment device to the floating dockassembly and wherein the first opening is configured to receive thefixed piling therethrough, such that the fixed attachment device rigidlyinterconnects the fixed piling and the floating dock assembly.
 14. Abumper attachment device, comprising: a bumper extending from a firstend to a second end thereof along a longitudinal axis; a first endportion proximate the first end of the bumper and defining a firstopening; and a second end portion proximate the second end of the bumperand defining a second opening, wherein the bumper is disposed betweenthe first end portion and the second end portion and is configured torotate about the longitudinal axis.
 15. The bumper attachment device ofclaim 14, wherein: the bumper defines a contact plane parallel to thelongitudinal axis; and neither the first end portion nor the second endportion extend into the contact plane defined by the bumper.
 16. Thebumper attachment device of claim 14, wherein: the first end portiondefines an outer edge obliquely angled relative to the longitudinalaxis; and the second end portion defines an outer edge obliquely angledrelative to the longitudinal axis.
 17. The bumper attachment device ofclaim 16, further comprising a first rod extending between andinterconnecting the first end portion and the second portion, whereinthe first rod passes through the bumper such that the bumper rotatesabout the first rod.
 18. The bumper attachment device of claim 17,further comprising a second rod spaced apart from the first rod andextending between and interconnecting the first end portion and thesecond portion, wherein the second rod passes through the bumper suchthat the bumper rotates about the second rod.
 19. The bumper attachmentdevice of claim 16, wherein at least the first end portion and thesecond end portion are each made of marine-grade high-densitypolyethylene, metal, or combinations thereof.
 20. A system, comprising:a floating dock assembly; and the bumper attachment device of claim 16,wherein each of the first opening and the second opening are configuredto receive a corresponding fastener for connecting the bumper attachmentdevice to the floating dock assembly.